Economic Analysis, Yield Optimization, and Competition Dynamics of Groundnut/Cereal Fodder Intercropping Systems in Pakistan's Semi Arid Tropics
Abaid Ur Rehman Nasir *
Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Gill Ammara *
School of Surveying and Land Information Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo- 454003, China.
Muhammad Zeeshan Hussain
Department of Agronomy, MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan.
Muhammad Huzaifa Mahmood
Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
Faheem Zia
Institute of Plant Protection, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan.
Muhammad Rashid
Department of Horticulture, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan.
Muhammad Ihtisham Badar
Department Plant Pathology, Agriculture University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Muhammad Sohail
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture University of Sargodha, Pakistan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This research focuses on the intercropping management options including aspects of yield performance, nitrogen contribution to groundnut and economical considerations through the usage of intercrop Maize, Sorghum and Pearl Millet under varying cuttings treatments. Intercropping is effective in increasing land productivity and efficiency in nutrient use and provides economic returns yet the best combinations have not been well explored. Randomised complete block design was used to assess the growth characteristics of plant height, modulation and nitrogen in sole cropping and intercropping treatments in which they make cuts. For sole crop, both, maize and pearl millet produced the highest green fodder yields of 13.40 t ha⁻¹ and 19.10 t ha⁻¹, respectively, and intercropping reduced the productivity for both crops but it was statistically significant, yield recorded in Maize (one cut) groundnut = 3.10 t ha⁻¹. Both nodulation and nitrogen content were maximum in sole groundnut, but they were lower when groundnut was grown in association with other crops. Among all competitive indices, the LER was the highest on maize (LER=1.72), pearl millet and sorghum indicated that intercropping enhances land use efficiency. This was facilitated by the Monetary Advantage Index (MAI) that provided much support to maize-groundnut intercrop, which was easily identified as the most appropriate option for inter-crop revenue generation with an MAI of Rs. 17,800. These results provide evidence for the suitability of maize as the best intercrop for the enhancement of productivity and profitability in groundnut based intercropping systems. This study adds valuable input to sustainable agriculture, particularly in that it expresses the yields and profits from distinct intercrop associations as numeral digits deemed useful by both the scientific and agricultural communities.
Keywords: Economic viability, groundnut, intercropping, land equivalent ratio, sustainable agriculture